FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
It was mortarboard madness at Hawaii Pacific University's graduation yesterday at the Waikiki Shell, where 550 students received diplomas. Lauren Nessler, right, helped Amy Wolchanski with her cap decoration: a green cup with "3Rs" recycling symbols to reflect their degrees earned in environmental science.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Ashleigh Costanza earned an oceanography degree, sported a foam fish atop her mortarboard.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Ramnel Barcenas, above, who graduated in nursing, donned a cap proclaiming "MURSE," a male nurse.